Love, business and trust
Up-close with Mojo
For some affiliates, promoting online gambling is a part-time job. For others, it’s full-time passion. But for Mojo, online gaming has led to love – and a new business.
Online love and love online
How did you get involved in the online gambling industry?
I began as a player. I loved that you could play online, but I wasn’t familiar with the different software and offers available. I began to look around and while surfing one night, I visited a small free games and chat room. I believe it was in 2002 or 2003. I had never chatted in my life, but it was such a warm and friendly room. Very homey and a lot of fun. There were other online players there and I started asking questions. I made wonderful friends who I am still in touch with.
The site’s proprietor, Joe, was a webmaster. He would hold high score tourneys and give away free chips to sponsoring casinos. After some time, he decided to open a forum and asked me to moderate. This eventually led to him setting up my first portal for me, Gambling Mojo. We became close and met a couple of times. In fact, I would come home and rush to my computer and knock anyone out of the way to see if I got mail from him!
We eventually met a couple of times. Then, in March of ’06, I had a BBQ with some of the people from that room and Joe flew in for it. The weekend went by much too fast and he stayed an extra day and then another and another. Well it’s been a year now and he’s still here, lol. I keep telling him the party’s over! He’s a wonderful guy and I can’t believe how lucky I am that I stumbled upon that little chat room. Fate is so amazing! Our friends from the chat room are thrilled for us. It’s a webmaster love story if you can believe it!
What inspired the three sites you run?
The name Mojo comes from the chat nickname I started with back then. We had a hamster named Mojo at the time and I like the Doors song. I wasn’t thinking about the future when I picked that, but it stuck. After Gambling Mojo I added No Deposit Mojo for players looking for something to do when they are low on cash. Everyone likes a nice freebie! I recently added High Roller Mojo. I want a well rounded group with something for everyone. I always keep in mind what I was looking for as a new player and now as an experienced one. I find the world of online gambling fascinating and there is always something new coming along.
With your boyfriend in the industry as well…do you spend a lot of time discussing current issues or industry gossip?
Yes, all of it. It’s wonderful to share with someone else who is in the industry. I rarely mentioned (back then) what I was doing online to friends and family. Most wouldn’t understand and it would be too difficult to explain. Early on it was like a double life and I’m sure a lot of webmasters can relate. These days more people are aware and have played themselves. Joe created the Payday Joes sites in 2002 and has been in the business since 1998. He has tons of experience that I can tap into. He has helped so many people over the years and has more patience than anyone I know. We are a team and pool our resources. I’m always trying to beat him in the searches and he calls me The Mojo. We sure do laugh a lot and we do love to gossip!
Are you a gambler yourself? If so, what do you play? Do you prefer online or live play?
I love to gamble -- both online and in land casinos. They both have their good points. Online, I can be in my pajamas on a Friday night and relax. And the excitement and noise of a land casino can’t be beat. I used to be a video poker junkie, but with all the new games to try I am more a slots kind of girl now. I always test and play the newest games, and now I can claim it’s my job.
GPWA and YOU
What do you get out of the GPWA?
This industry is made up of people. Casinos and managers, webmasters, players, link exchanges, graphic resources and much more. When you surround yourself with good people involved in this industry then only good can result. It’s all about the people and that’s what you will find at the GPWA, along with a wealth of information. I enjoy the company of other members and meeting new ones. It is heartwarming to see the members’ support for each other.
Why is the seal program important to you?
While it’s nice that affiliate managers and other webmasters recognize the seal, it is for the players. Players who go to land-based casinos are surrounded by security and made to feel safe. I want the players that come to my site to feel safe. I want them to know I am serious and there are resources behind them on any issues.
This industry is based on trust. We ask for a lot of trust from our players. Trust is not easily given and must be earned. This is extremely difficult online and especially in this industry. I can happily say that I trust the GPWA to consistently stand by its own ethics code. The GPWA says what they mean and means what they say. The members are helpful and friendly and I truly value them in all aspects. I can’t imagine life without the GPWA.
How important is it (the GPWA) to your business?
Extremely important. In my opinion we are a fellowship of serious Portal Owners who work together to show the world that we are professional and ethical business people. I believe that the members come together wonderfully for this common goal. We need that more than ever right now. It has also set (professional) guidelines for me. I find so much information on how to go about things the correct way. It may take longer to do the right thing every day and build your business naturally, but if you cut corners you will most likely pay later.
How does being a member help you?
I learn without even realizing it. Also if I see something reported regarding the industry, I will go to the GPWA for confirmation. The reporters confirm their stories and have no problem picking up the phone and going directly to the source. You can be confident that what they report has been thoroughly researched. That makes a webmasters life much easier than to have to scramble for the truth.
What is the best/worst thing that has happened to you in the industry?
I would have to say the best is meeting Joe. He changed my life in many ways and a major one was giving me my first portal. The worst is the current situation in the US. I would be devastated if we were restricted from this business that I truly enjoy.
Talking shop
What does it take to be a good affiliate?
To believe in what you are promoting. I don’t want to promote something that I wouldn’t use myself. That is true in any business. Use what you feel good about. Know your players and your product. One program may not work for you. That doesn’t make it bad. It means you need to be in tune with your players and find your niche. Keep doors open as you will find you grow and change. What may not work today may work tomorrow. Stay in touch with your affiliate managers. They are invaluable and you will find them happy to help!
How do you feel being an affiliate in the U.S.?
It saddens me. I believe Congressman Barney Frank said it best...”stupid” and “preposterous.” People love to gamble. Millions walk through the doors of land-based casinos every day.
I am not a political analyst. I can only speak as an average American and from the heart. I find it difficult to understand the moral values argument. Here is my simple scenario. I worked hard all week and I have $100 put aside to spend as I wish. I choose to gamble. I can spend my $100 on A) scratch tickets, B) the land casino, C) lottery tickets or D) my favorite online casino. Why is A, B and C OK and encouraged while D is not and will destroy my moral fiber? It is all gambling after all.
The answer is clear to me. D is not taxed and nothing is put back into my community. That leads me to conclude that it is about money leaving the States. Ok, fair enough. Let’s tax it then and legitimize online gambling. It may help us all in the long run. Let’s not impose on our freedoms with the pretense of a moral issue.
CPA or rev share? Any changes for you post-UIGEA?
Rev Share all the way. I can only take so many changes at a time, lol.
Do you have any tips for newbie’s to the industry?
I can only tell you what I did when Joe gave me the reins to Gambling Mojo. I had no idea what I was doing and was a true newbie in every sense. Of course he and others helped but I couldn’t expect him to teach me something like that in chat.
I ended up finding webmaster forums and came upon the GPWA and began to read. Over a period of weeks and several pots of coffee, I read every page of the freshman forum. What you find is that the same key points reemerge over and over such as keywords, titles, tags etc. The basics finally sank in for me and then I could move on to peruse more. When you are done reading, read some more. What I also find helpful is when sites are posted to review. Experienced webmasters will give you valuable feedback. If you are stuck by all means ask! Remember that you don’t have to have the biggest or prettiest site to apply for membership at the GPWA.
General recommendations for people or the GPWA? Anything you would like to see change or be implemented?
I would like to see the seal recognized by more and more players. Seal holders can help by displaying them prominently on their sites. I also think we are a creative bunch. I sometimes post ideas and it doesn’t matter if they get implemented or not, I like keeping the juices flowing. It may be nice to see a suggestion forum for private members. Hey, there’s another idea!